Blog

Last week was Independent Booksellers Week. Independent Bookshop Week is part of the Books Are My Bag campaign, and seeks to celebrate independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland. Many authors and illustrators took part by visiting independent booksellers.

On Saturday, I visited Nutshell Studios, an independent children's bookshop, which is situated in Barleylands Craft Village in Billericay, Essex. But I wasn't the only visitor. Mr Panda made an appearance too, doughnuts and all! Well, Mr Panda was actually the lovely booksellers at Nutshell Studios, Michelle and Hazel, who took turns wearing the costume. The store itself is full of charm. It doubles up as an art studio, which houses the brilliant artwork of Michelle Williams and Hazel Williams, two sisters who share a passion for children's book illustration and literature.

Steve Antony

About steve antony

After taking redundancy from a call-centre, Steve pursued his dream job as an author and illustrator. Five years later, he has sold over one million picture books, won awards, and toured the world. Steve lives in Swindon UK, is Patron of Swindon Libraries Children's Services and designed their new children's library card. Steve plays an active role with the National Literacy Trust and Beanstalk. His Mr Panda series has been optioned for TV. He also illustrated Tim Minchin's When I Grow Up and a cover of The Famous Five.